Dr Moshood Abiola, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 Oyo State election, has called for the adoption of direct primaries in selecting the party’s flagbearer.
Abiola made the call in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
He said political activities within the APC in Oyo State had generated rising tension over alleged moves to impose a ‘consensus candidate’ for the 2027 governorship election.
The aspirant, who is among the contenders for the Agodi Government House, insisted that the party must avoid any arrangement that excludes its wider membership from determining its candidate.
He said only a transparent and grassroots-driven process would strengthen the party’s chances in the general election.
“Only a credible and transparent direct primary can guarantee victory for our party in Oyo State.
“Any attempt to impose a candidate through consensus that does not reflect the will of members will undermine unity and progress,” he said.
Abiola said the APC in Oyo State had recently witnessed growing political tension among aspirants, with some stakeholders reportedly divided over the preferred mode of primaries.
“There have also been concerns over recent exchanges among aspirants, which party members fear could deepen internal rifts ahead of the 2027 polls,” he said.
He cautioned fellow aspirants against inflammatory remarks, urging them to prioritise unity and party cohesion over personal ambition.
“I appeal to all aspirants to remain civil in their engagements. Our common goal is to win Oyo State for the APC, not to destroy ourselves before the main contest,” he added.
He urged the party leadership in the state to build on past experiences, noting that the strength of the APC lies in its grassroots structure.
“We must reject any arrangement that does not reflect the popular will of our members at the ward level. The people must decide,” he said.
